questions about mormon church.

[ubub0333]

i am a member of the church, but as i grow up and learned many things, i have some real questions in my head want to be answered. If anyone can help me find some real answers, thank you.

1 Question about prophet

I know that we had many prophets from the start of the church, my question is, why do we have so many prophets?

In the bible or bom, from the beginning to now, there are not many prophets are around the world, what made Mormons had so many prophets only in 200 years? Are these people prophets of us or prophets of the world?

2 Question about tithing

As far as i know tithing money only been used for church..why?

there are so many ppl suffering on this earth, why not church use this money to help poor people around the world.

i know fast offering is the money to help the poor, but, compare to tithing, fast offering are so little. why church always want to gain not to give? I never heard on the news about Mormons help.

Many temples are around the world, but, does luxurious ＝ Spirit？

3 Question about to studying other religions

why can't? Don't tell me because there are all wrong..

The propose of us on this earth is to studying and understanding others, does church really gives me a free mind of thinking?

4 luck compare with blessings

People who doesn't believe church have luck

people who believe church has blessings

people who doesn't believe church have bad luck

people who believed church has test by god.

can someone explain this to me?

please don't ask me to talk to church leaders, because, they can't not tell me these answers and will ask me to repent.

thank you for your time to read this..

please give me some good answers to explain my questions.

[a-train]

1 Question about prophet

I know that we had many prophets from the start of the church, my question is, why do we have so many prophets?

In the bible or bom, from the beginning to now, there are not many prophets are around the world, what made Mormons had so many prophets only in 200 years? Are these people prophets of us or prophets of the world?

There have literally been millions of prophets since the days of Adam. Anyone who testifies of Christ, by the Spirit, is a prophet, 'for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' (Rev. 19:10)

2 Question about tithing

As far as i know tithing money only been used for church..why?

there are so many ppl suffering on this earth, why not church use this money to help poor people around the world.

i know fast offering is the money to help the poor, but, compare to tithing, fast offering are so little. why church always want to gain not to give? I never heard on the news about Mormons help.

Many temples are around the world, but, does luxurious ＝ Spirit

The LDS Church operates a massive full-time humanitarian aid project. Fast offerings are the backbone for the funding of this project. Education, food relief, employment, clothing, and disaster assistance are all part of this program. Every Bishop of every ward has the capability to see to it that every member of the ward has sufficient for their needs and each bishopric stands capable and ready to assist them. Look at this Church operated website: Provident Living Home.

LDS aid is not on the news because the Church takes to heart the direction of the Saviour not to do alms before men. (Matt 6:1-2)

You are absolutely correct that luxury itself does NOT evoke the Spirit. Only those who worship the LORD in spirit in the temple will feel His Spirit there. If there be any there who are there to be surrounded by the building alone, that is all they will get. Perhaps you are not aware that each temple is an offering to the LORD. It is not in the stead of the care for our fellow man, but in addition.

3 Question about to studying other religions

why can't? Don't tell me because there are all wrong..

The propose of us on this earth is to studying and understanding others, does church really gives me a free mind of thinking?

If there ever was a rule against studying all religion, I am a gross offender against it. There is no LDS rule against studying anything. In fact, we are strongly encouraged to study all we can. Perhaps you were mis-informed by some well intending but mistaken friend.

4 luck compare with blessings

People who doesn't believe church have luck

people who believe church has blessings

people who doesn't believe church have bad luck

people who believed church has test by god.

can someone explain this to me?

It sounds like you pretty much understand the difference already. There are those who acknowledge the LORD in all things and those who believe in fortune or fate. I personally believe that all we have comes from God, both good and evil. As the Saviour said: 'for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.' (Matt 5:45)

Now I understand that questions about Church policy cannot always be answered by an examination of the scriptures, such as in the case of the details of the humanitarian efforts of the Church. But I would advise a strong daily study of the scriptures, and much of your questions will be answered directly from the LORD. Try to gain as much direct revelation as you can and your understanding will be greatly enhanced.

I hope I have helped you in your quest to understand these points.

God bless.

-a-train

[ubub0333]

Hey, thx

for question 3,

u can study them but, you can't follow them if u want to go to the temple..i think i get it, u can not serve 2

[a-train]

Hey, thx

for question 3,

u can study them but, you can't follow them if u want to go to the temple..i think i get it, u can not serve 2

Hmmm... perhaps there is more to your quesiton than I can see, but whatever principles or precepts the LDS teaching has in common with other religious movements is certainly acceptable for a Mormon to practice.

However, engaging in some religious action that would be somehow in opposition to LDS teaching would be reasonably something we should not be involved in. Certainly, membership in any groups that are openly opposed to LDS doctrine, observance, or membership would prevent someone from being able to obtain a temple recommend.

Perhaps there is more to your question?

-a-train

[ubub0333]

"engaging in some religious action"

range is too big, hard to define. I did study some other religious teaching and they have many thoughtful people that understand more about the world. I found that sometimes i can understand more then most of repeating Sundays.

And that will become my sin and stop me to go to the temple if i tell bishop about it ?

For question 2, i asked, tithing money only been used for church..why?

I believe that church gained more then enough to keep church running, i saw so many people were looking for help in my life and i spend my money on tithing, i did feel guilty and confused.

These people are going to die and i looked some missionary's car, nice chapels, i ask my self why?

Also we baptize for the dead, many people we can not find name which passed away 2000 years ago, how can church make sure they get baptized, if can't , they will stay at spirit world forever that doesn't make any sense. I asked many people, they can not answer me, and say just have faith.

Faith=vision, i don't see any vision in that. Some one explain.

[a-train]

"engaging in some religious action"

range is too big, hard to define. I did study some other religious teaching and they have many thoughtful people that understand more about the world. I found that sometimes i can understand more then most of repeating Sundays.

And that will become my sin and stop me to go to the temple if i tell bishop about it ?

This is still unclear. What is it that we can't tell the bishop about? Studying various religious beliefs is no sin. What are we talking about?

For question 2, i asked, tithing money only been used for church..why?

I believe that church gained more then enough to keep church running, i saw so many people were looking for help in my life and i spend my money on tithing, i did feel guilty and confused.

These people are going to die and i looked some missionary's car, nice chapels, i ask my self why?

People are going to get Church assistance and are dying because it has not been offered? Did you not look into the welfare system of the Church? It is very extensive. Have you looked into working with the Church welfare program in your area?

Also we baptize for the dead, many people we can not find name which passed away 2000 years ago, how can church make sure they get baptized, if can't , they will stay at spirit world forever that doesn't make any sense. I asked many people, they can not answer me, and say just have faith.

Faith=vision, i don't see any vision in that. Some one explain.

Those names who are not obtainable through genealogical research will be obtained through revelation and the work will be completed. That is the faith and vision of the saints. Have you not heard that? During the Millennial Reign of the Saviour, the temple work will be completed by revelation for every last child of Adam that needs it.

-a-train

[Elgama]

"engaging in some religious action"

range is too big, hard to define. I did study some other religious teaching and they have many thoughtful people that understand more about the world. I found that sometimes i can understand more then most of repeating Sundays.

And that will become my sin and stop me to go to the temple if i tell bishop about it ?

There used to be a church run institute course called Religions of the World - anyone of any faith or none can know Christ and be Christlike in their behaviour they can have Him in their countenance as much as any of us, and studying those faiths can enrich our lives as a Latter Day Saint - through my Hindu friends I understand eternal progression better, I understand creation and spirits in nature better because of Pagan friends, from both of these groups I learned to honour the Word of Wisdom better and meditate which enriches my prayer and temple experience. From my Jewish friends I picked up some marvelous ideas on how to begin the Sabbath, my knowledge from Anglican friends gives me beautiful symbols at Easter and Christmas, my Muslim friends again have given me ideas for prayers and moving my body and remaining calm. I also have a prayer space in my home which is wonderful. I use all these things but I also have a testimony of our prophets.

For question 2, i asked, tithing money only been used for church..why?

I believe that church gained more then enough to keep church running, i saw so many people were looking for help in my life and i spend my money on tithing, i did feel guilty and confused.

These people are going to die and i looked some missionary's car, nice chapels, i ask my self why?

ever worshipped in a leaky church with no heating? if you had watched other churches over the years in the 1950s the Anglican church stopped tithing its people in the 1990s it suffered a stock market crash now it struggles to keep up its buildings and clergy, if they had continued to tithe their financial state wouldn't be anywhere near as dire... and the church does help members and others with food I know I have required its help a couple of times and the church is not just American the money goes around the world,

Also we baptize for the dead, many people we can not find name which passed away 2000 years ago, how can church make sure they get baptized, if can't , they will stay at spirit world forever that doesn't make any sense. I asked many people, they can not answer me, and say just have faith.

Faith=vision, i don't see any vision in that. Some one explain.

The Lord is not unjust or unfair we will all be given a chance - its not our vision to have its Heavenly Fathers.

-Charley

[Guest tomk]

please don't ask me to talk to church leaders, because, they can't not tell me these answers and will ask me to repent.

==============

It certainly sounds like you are having some struggles with your faith right now.

I think it is a bit strange that you would come HERE for answers instead of being willing to go to your leaders because "they will ask you to repent." That does not make a great deal of sense to me.

The best way to go about "getting to know God" is to start at the right end. Start with God's pefect love. Start with the Gift of the Atonement.

Our answering your questions will not help you. Our answering your questions will not generate more faith or even more understanding. Those things can only come from within you and are gifts given to you by God for your faith and obedience.

Regarding Prophets. The Lord would have each of us be "prophets, seers and revelators." And each of us will be when we inherit Celestial Glory. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are all considered to be "Prophets, Seers, and Revelators" but only one is authorized to use all the keys (President Monson, now). He is the prophet over the entire world.

Tithing: I believe the use of tithed funds is under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. I have faith that they are using that money wisely and to further the Lord's work. If they are not, that is between the Lord and themselves -- it is not my concern. I will be blessed for having paid a full tithe willingly. It is not up to us to tell the leadership how to spend our tithed money. It is up to the Lord's discretion. Incidentally, the Lord does not need our tithing. He created this earth and He commands the elements. Money is meaningless to Him. Temples are very nice outside and in, to reflect whose House it is. But they are built by the Lord's command using the materials He specifies.

About other religions: As far as I know, we are encouraged to learn all we can about them, if we feel the need to do so. Learning about other religions would not impact my testimony in the least. The reason I personally don't spend a lot of time learning about other religions is that I find it to be challenging enough to live the one I already believe in. You have a free mind. You can believe whatever you want to believe. Nobody will stop you, especially not God. He values your agency above all else. He lovingly leads and guides us, but cannot force us to do ANYTHING.

People both in and out of the church are all loved by God. Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to evil people. It's not fair, but, thank God, it is all under His watchful eye. The Atonement was wrought to balance out and restore the inequities of life...that which violates our agency, that which we do to violate the agency of others, and that which we do to ourselves. The Atonement will heal and restore all to it's proper frame.

I hope these answers help.

More than that, I hope you will find answers for yourself.

Tom

[ubub0333]

Tom, you are right, u have to have faith. Also thx to Elgama and a-train's as well.

I don't want to talk to people that i know because, they will not have an open mind to me.

People always try to protect things that they like and they will lose understanding of other people,

i seen that a lot in our church and people that out side the church.

you guys did answer some of my questions and now i have a very clear answers.

Also in my questions there are thing that we do not know, and i will put my faith on it, because even science can not explain everything in the world.

For tithing, i guess that's the nature of religions

Church can not help everyone, because church has a spirit part to take care of.

Anyway, thx people.

[ztodd]

The main purpose of the church is to help bring us to Christ. It's even more important than providing temporal help to the needy. So it's more of a priority to provide temples and such things that will help us be spiritually nourished rather than physically nourished.

I've heard many stories of faithful saints who will save up and even go without food sometimes so they can save up to be able to make a trip to a temple that is far away. When they finally make it there, then they know that their sacrifice was worth it - they are closer to Christ, and they have received more joy than they could have by using the money they saved up to be more comfortable. They endured physical hunger so that they could be spiritually nourished in the temple. That's what it's all about.

Having said that, I do feel that most of us in the USA have no idea what's it's like to be in real need, and that we are all probably more selfish with our offerings than we should be. We selfishly think that giving 10% for tithing is already a big sacrifice and that we shouldn't need to give much more. So we all mostly only throw in a few dollars a month for fast offerings. That thinking kind of disgusts me to be honest. We live in so much more comfort and even luxury than most of the world- we have no right to withhold what we've been blessed with. I could also be giving more than I am- my own pride and fear in this regard are not absent, but I'm trying. It's hard sometimes to know what a good balance is between giving offerings and saving up for emergencies. But most of us here I feel spend our money on luxuries that we don't need.

[WillowTheWhisp]

"engaging in some religious action"

range is too big, hard to define. I did study some other religious teaching and they have many thoughtful people that understand more about the world. I found that sometimes i can understand more then most of repeating Sundays.

And that will become my sin and stop me to go to the temple if i tell bishop about it ?

If you are just studying other religions to learn what they believe then there is no reason why that should prevent you from going to the temple. However, if you mean that you are following some other religious teaching instead of LDS and attending other churches instead of your own Ward then why would you be seeking to go to the temple? I may have misunderstood you but I am puzzled about why you want to attend the temple of one religion when you prefer the teachings of another.

[ubub0333]

If you are just studying other religions to learn what they believe then there is no reason why that should prevent you from going to the temple. However, if you mean that you are following some other religious teaching instead of LDS and attending other churches instead of your own Ward then why would you be seeking to go to the temple? I may have misunderstood you but I am puzzled about why you want to attend the temple of one religion when you prefer the teachings of another.

Hey, what i mean is we have to study about everything while we are on this earth, that includes school, uni, life of other people, and try to understand about them.

And sometime both of our church teaching and other church's teaching are right, and i agree with them. When i am agree with a church topic which is not LDS, what should i do?

Just like i agree with faith, but all of the church are talking about same Faith, and they are all right about faith, i agree with them also Lds

I believe there is only one trues about everything

And i believe that one day, all the trues will meet together to explain everything.

That includes Science, Church teachings, everything.

[Hemidakota]

Your assumption is correct. Truth is truth and remains that way since the beginning to the end of this earth. It never changes.

Our capacity and limited knowledge of many today field studies will be answered for us very soon. Remembering an old lecture given by H. B. Nibley, he was given the opportunity upon his death bed [WWII], a glance into the the heavenly libraries for few minutes [mortal time as he quoted] how we will gain knowledge and other fancies of studies which will be at our fingertips.

We should put the learning of GOD/CHRIST as the highest priority and everything else secondary.